spring in the south.

all images captures by {jn}, {cn} + {av}

In just a few short weeks, we'll be jetting to one of my favorite cities in America to witness one of my dearest friends, {lh}, walk down the aisle:


I'm what I'll deem a "tourist veteran" of Charleston. I grew up going to South Carolina to visit my grandparents. We would take day trips from Hilton Head to Savannah and to Charleston. From these visits, I developed a deep love of the history of the Civil War {which later played its way into my major at Georgetown: American Studies}.

Being a "tourist veteran" means one thing: you know the city, but you don't know the city. It's a big trip for us--and I want to make it perfect. During our three day visit, wedding bells are ringing for {lh} and {bh}--and we will be celebrating {cv}'s 27th birthday and our first wedding anniversary!  Wedding festivities aside, {cv} and I would love recommendations on where to eat, visit, and explore while we're in Charleston.

What are the must-see's in this southern gem? Are there any places the tourists miss?


I would love any and all tips to help make this trip extra special! You were all so wonderful with your New Orleans suggestions that I knew I needed to pose these questions to you again :) Until April 8th, I'll be dreaming of spring in the south...

Thank you {in advance} for all your help! Enjoy your Sunday! xoxo {av}

43 comments:

  1. Lovely pictures of Charleston! I've never been, but I have heard it's gorgeous. Hope you find some fun things to do...if nothing else, be sure to enjoy the beautiful southern scenery!

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  2. Oh my gosh- I am going to Charleston TODAY for Spring Break! Never been before- I'm pumped!!! :) (Oh and I'm obsessed with Hilton Head and Savannah too, I went there a few years back.)

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  3. Glad you like Charleston! Me too! That is why I live here!
    Read up on HUSK restaurant. It is amazing, I have only been for lunch, but hear that dinner is great too.
    High Cotton is another favorite!

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  4. I've only been there once but I love it! I wish I lived closer we're only 3 hours away!! ha have a great time!

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  5. It seems like all of the blogs I am frequenting are in the East or South. I am dying to go on a vacay that way!

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  6. AWW! I suggest going on a walking tour of your own, you will be surprised at what you find that way. Take a stroll down Tradd Street. I think it is the romantic street in town. If you have time go out to Folly Beach and eat at Taco Boy. Fleet Landing has one of my favorite (inexpensive) brunches. I love 82 Queen. My roommate went to Husk a few weeks ago and she loved it. If the wedding is on or after April 9th, you have to stop by the farmer's market in Marion Square. Social would be a great place to get a glass or flight of wine. Or the Vendue Rooftop or Pavilion Rooftop for happy hour. Check out Poe's on Sullivan's Island if you can.

    AHH! I could go on and on! Let me know if you want anymore details. The weather has been beautiful, so I hope it keeps up for your friend.

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  7. I've always seen such beautiful pictures of Charleston! I've never been but I would love to go. Can't wait to hear about your trip! It will be here before you know it!

    Happy Sunday! xoxo

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  8. i LOVE charleston!!! delicious food, sights and southern charm. be sure to show us lots of photos!

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  9. You must have a drink on the rooftop bar at the Market Pavilion!

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  10. If I had any rec's I'd totally tell you but I've never been there!! I hope you have fun though :):)
    Thanks so much for your input on my balance post. And I'm happy we found eachother in blogland too!!

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  11. I love Charleston. My hubby and I spent some time there last summer. I recommend taking a walk downtown where you can enjoy the beautiful uniquely Charleston homes and some good shopping. Also, the open air markets are very fun...and there is some beautiful hand painted pottery at them as well, very girlie and chic! Enjoy!

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  12. I Love Charleston!!! We went once a few years ago and I fell in love. I am dying to go back. Have so much fun!

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  13. Yay have a blast! I've never been but cannot wait to hear about your trip and your friend's wedding! =)

    xoXOxo
    Jenn @ Peas & Crayons

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  14. Gorgeous photos! I think I dream of the south almost every day of my life! I've never been, but Charleston is high up on my list of places that I am dying to visit!

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  15. I <3 South Carolina! I will never forget visiting Fort Sumpter when I was young, it was really memorable and historical. Have you ever been?! If no, it's definitely worth the trip.
    Enjoy your Sunday!
    <3 leigh

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  16. Sorry that I cannot offer you the slightest bit of knowledge on the South (I'm from Jersey) but I am dying to go to Charleston and this made me want to go even more! It looks absolutely beautiful!!

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  17. How fun! I ope you have the most amazing time there...looks beautiful.

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  18. I lived in Hilton Head for 3 months (family vacations made me think I wanted to live there) and went to Charleston with my roomie for a day. Love love loved it! definitely a city I'd like to visit again... and now one of my bloggy besties lives there. Do you read Hungry Meets Healthy?? I think she could tell you ABSOLUTELY everywhere in Charleston that is worth trying for breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner.
    http://hungrymeetsheathy.com

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  19. Aww spring...sigh I can't wait tell its here to stay! How fun that you get to go to Charleston. I haven't been and would love to go. Can't wait to see pictures :)

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  20. I love Charleston! It's such a great place! For things to do, I would reccommend Middleton Plantation (they have amazing SheCrab soup too) & Ft Sumter since your a civil war lover like I am.

    Also a really great restaurant is South End Brewery & Smokehouse. It's my favorite restaurant there, http://www.southendbrewery.com/.

    HAVE FUN!

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  21. We loved High Cotton, one of our favorite restaurant ever. Magnolias is great and also Oprah's favorite. We love the roof top bar at Vendue and Pavilion Bar at Market Pavilion Hotel. Have so much fun, it's one of our favorite cities.

    Oh Poe's Tavern is very good and a popular hang out on Sullivans Island. Enjoy!

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  22. Charleston is on my list of cities I must visit, so I can't wait to see what everyone recommends, so I can add to my list! :) I just love the South!

    Thanks so much for stopping by! SO happy to hear you enjoyed NOLA! I always love when others love that city and have nice things to say about it!! Off to explore more here!

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  23. I wish I could help- have been to both Hilton Head and Savannah but never Charleston- would love to visit! Have a great time- the photos are gorgeous!!

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  24. I wish I had something to offer in the way of tips for visiting Charleston, but I have never been there! Your beautiful pictures make me want to go though. I have actually had Savannah, GA on my travel list for a while now... and Tybee Island. Hopefully I'll get to the southeast sometime!

    Enjoy your friend's wedding... and upcoming 1st anniversary. Sounds like a busy time. Have fun.

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  25. sigh.. LOVEEE this post. charleston remains my favorite US city. its so gorgeous and everything is so sweet and charming. have a fantastic time! ill send you an email with few to-sees :) xoxo jcd :: cornflake dreams

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  26. We JUST got back from a wonderful trip to Charleston last week!! I am working on a blog post as I type this comment. We LOVED it -- would definitely reccommend Poe's on Sullivan's Island, Hominy Grill for breakfast, shopping on King Street, and a stroll along Battery Park, to admire the beautiful homes. So excited for you!

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  27. Charleston is on my bucket list. I have a feeling my Husband & I may fall in love & never leave.

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  28. I would love to visit Charleston, and am making it a MUST see!!

    Hope you have fun! thanks for the tips and support you left in the comments the other day

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  29. this pictures look absolutely beautiful. I hope you have tons of fun! :)

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  30. Funny- my mom and I are planning our first trip to either Charleston or Savannah- so I have no advice, but can't wait to see what you do!

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  31. ahh, I've never been, but it looks so beautiful! you guys are going to have a great time, no matter what you do! so much to celebrate :)

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  32. I've only been to Charleston once -- it was January -- for a visit that was very cold and very brief. I'd love to go back to see what it's like in the spring! Hope you take lots of photos to share with us.
    xo Josie
    http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

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  33. charleston is on my list. i can't wait to go there.

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  34. Can't wait to see your post upon return - wedding pics (yay) and of course the great scenery of Charleston. Oh, yes, and the interesting melange of my friends from high school and college ...

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  35. If you have time, go to Sullivan's Island and eat at Station 22. Their she-crab soup is the best!

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  36. O, this is so exciting! I have so many suggestions being that I live in South Carolina and that Charleston was only an hour away from my college so it was the perfect day trip location!

    To eat: Southend Brewery (right downtown a couple blocks from the wonderful market... we would usually start on King St with shopping, walk through the market, and end with a wonderful margarita pizza from Southend Brewery).
    Beaches: My favs are def. Isle of Palms and Folly Beach (the basics but well worth it).

    I'm sure I could keep going with suggestions, but I think this covers my favorites! :-)

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  37. from the pictures, charleston appears to be an amazingly beautiful place to visit. those blue skies!! nothin beats lovely blue skies in spring time.

    we hope to see plenty of pictures from your visit. ♥

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  38. What a busy and fun weekend you have planned! I've never been to Charleston myself but am dying to go so I hope you will share pictures and details like you did for NOLA :)

    Happy Monday!

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  39. such nice pics! you'll have lots more beautiful ones after your trip i'm sure..i've wanted to go here for a long time but have never gotten around to it. hopefully this year or next!

    (p.s. -thank you for checking out my page! (fyi..you can now find my same blog at TravelDesignery.blogspot.com...if interested in following!.. :-) the support is very much appreciated :-)
    —Lorena

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  40. This is crazy!! I am in CHARLESTON right now. I am visiting a friend (AR) who moved down here for the love of the city.. fell in love.. got married & had a baby in 2 years .. We just went to the outlets today. Her husband graduated from the Citadel so we will be visiting there on Wednesday and he proposed @ the battery!

    Have so much fun! I love love this place!! Its in the 80s!! Enjoy! <3 AB

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  41. Oh how I miss Charleston! I feel so lucky to have been able to live there! So many amazing places to eat, see, & grab cocktails!

    Rooftop bars are a MUST, I personally love SNOB & Fleet Landing! And you absolutely MUST stroll along the Battery! :)

    xo! Lauren @ tickled.

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